This Japanese doll was purchased by John W. Nielsen at a fundraiser by the Japanese Lutheran Church, led by a Paster Inadomi. Pastor Inadomi, a member of the Lutheran Theological Seminary of Japan, was traveling to Lutheran congregations of the United Danish Evangelical Lutheran Church. Before World War 2, the UDELC supported many missionary efforts in Japan.  Pastor Inadomi’s travels were part of a larger program by the Japanese Lutheran Church to raise funds for the program.

Dolls have played an important role in everyday life throughout human history. This is true not only of Japan but of other cultures as well. In earlier times, dolls were produced as toys, for decorative purposes, and as objects for use in religious or magic rituals. As the significance of ceremonies and festivals has declined over time, the use of dolls in curses and spells has also faded, but the close relationship between dolls and man has remained.

Japanese Doll
Japan 
Before 1930 
Wood, Cloth, Metal, Plastic
Gift of John Mark & Dawn Nielsen
2023.020.001